So, I think a lot of us are enamored by hillstream loaches. When I first learned about them, my immediate instinctual thought was "I must have these creatures in my home". I initially looked through the care guide by Aquarium Co-op and was thrilled to see they could do well in a typical tropical community tank!
Well... after doing even an iota more research, I quickly learned that no, they can't really. This is actually fine by me. I've always wanted a river biotope tank anyway! It definitely won't be my first tank (working on a 20gal tropical south american tank right now), so I have plenty of time to learn and plan, and I'm very curious about how to go about it. Internet research has returned very conflicting information on minimum tank size and group size for these loaches. Some websites give a 20gal minimum, others give 40-55gal minimums. Some websites say 1-3 are fine together, others say they should be in groups of 6 or more. Is there any evidence towards either direction?
Regarding their flow requirements, I couldn't find any website that gave an actual GPH value, just that the current should be "decent" (or similar vague descriptors). Is there any particular style or strength of powerhead that would be best for them? Unfortunately, I don't think I could swing anything much larger than a 29gal at this point in my life (early career, moving around). The primary reason cited for a larger minimum tank size was the need for consistent flow. Is it possible to create that in a 20 long or a 29?
Ok, and last thing. Tankmates. I know there aren't a ton of compatible species in the hobby, given their temp and current requirements, but what are some other peaceful cool water current-tolerant fish out there? Maybe some zebra danios and/or denison barbs (edit: never mind on the barbs. Min tank size is too big... rasboras then, maybe)? Are there any rainbowfish that like cooler water? Looking forward to the day I can (hopefully) set up my dream river tank!
Well... after doing even an iota more research, I quickly learned that no, they can't really. This is actually fine by me. I've always wanted a river biotope tank anyway! It definitely won't be my first tank (working on a 20gal tropical south american tank right now), so I have plenty of time to learn and plan, and I'm very curious about how to go about it. Internet research has returned very conflicting information on minimum tank size and group size for these loaches. Some websites give a 20gal minimum, others give 40-55gal minimums. Some websites say 1-3 are fine together, others say they should be in groups of 6 or more. Is there any evidence towards either direction?
Regarding their flow requirements, I couldn't find any website that gave an actual GPH value, just that the current should be "decent" (or similar vague descriptors). Is there any particular style or strength of powerhead that would be best for them? Unfortunately, I don't think I could swing anything much larger than a 29gal at this point in my life (early career, moving around). The primary reason cited for a larger minimum tank size was the need for consistent flow. Is it possible to create that in a 20 long or a 29?
Ok, and last thing. Tankmates. I know there aren't a ton of compatible species in the hobby, given their temp and current requirements, but what are some other peaceful cool water current-tolerant fish out there? Maybe some zebra danios and/or denison barbs (edit: never mind on the barbs. Min tank size is too big... rasboras then, maybe)? Are there any rainbowfish that like cooler water? Looking forward to the day I can (hopefully) set up my dream river tank!
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